MPV Commentary

David arrived at Nob, a city near Jerusalem where Ahimelech served as high priest. Nob was located on the Mount of Olives, about five miles from Gibeah.

Ahimelech was taken aback by David's sudden appearance and the unusual circumstances surrounding it. He suspected that something extraordinary was happening.

2
The king has sent me on a mission and instructed me to say that no one should know about it. This was a deliberate falsehood told out of fear. David likely believed, as many others do, that lying is justified if done to save one's life. However, this kind of lie remains sinful regardless of the circumstances.

4
There must be hallowed bread in your house. Ahimelech would have had plenty of bread available, but he didn't have time to wait for it. The "hallowed bread" referred to the old showbread that had been removed the previous day and was reserved for the priests alone (Leviticus 24:9). Before making a decision about giving David this bread, Ahimelech consulted the oracle (1 Samuel 22:10) to determine what course of action to take. God granted a special dispensation allowing the use of the hallowed bread in this emergency.

5
We are allowed to eat this bread for the next three days, as required by law (Exodus 19:15). David and his men had been hiding in nearby caves to avoid pursuit and were severely hungry.

The bread is now common property since it's no longer on display. It can be eaten by anyone, including us, in our current situation. Even if the bread was sanctified just today, the ritual ordinance would yield to the greater law of necessity and mercy (see Matthew 12:3; Mark 2:25; Luke 6:3).

6
There was no bread available in the tabernacle. The old showbread had been removed on the Sabbath, and the new loaves were kept warm in an oven heated the previous day.

7
Doeg, a former Edomite who had converted to the Hebrew faith, was detained at the tabernacle. He may have been there performing a vow or waiting for the Sabbath to pass before continuing his journey.

The chief shepherd of Saul's flocks was also present. In ancient times, Eastern monarchs often owned large herds and flocks, and the position of chief shepherd was an important one.